Musculoskeletal injuries are the most common workplace injury in Newfoundland and LabradorMonday, September 25, 2017

St. John’s, NL – Musculoskeletal injuries account for almost 70 per cent of the lost-time injury claims at WorkplaceNL over the past five years. To raise awareness of the impact of these injuries, WorkplaceNL is observing September 24-30, 2017 as Musculoskeletal Injury Prevention (MSIP) Week.

In partnership with industry safety councils, WorkplaceNL is launching the “How would YOU handle it?” campaign to inspire people to safely lift, push, pull and handle materials common in workplaces in Newfoundland and Labrador. These materials include boxes, tools, equipment and building materials. In the health care setting, workers are at risk of injury while transferring patients or residents.

“Musculoskeletal injuries can impact the quality of every aspect of a worker’s daily life,” said Dennis Hogan, CEO, WorkplaceNL. “Our goal this week, and throughout the year, is to help employers and workers recognize how musculoskeletal injuries may happen, and to provide them with solutions so people do not get hurt.”

Practical tips to avoid getting hurt include checking to see if mechanical lifting aids are available and getting help with heavy or awkward loads. When lifting, avoid twisting or bending sideways, use your legs not your back and keep your arms straight.

Musculoskeletal injuries (MSIs) are disorders of the muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, nerves, blood vessels or related soft tissues. They include sprains, strains and inflammation that may be caused or aggravated by work.

WorkplaceNL’s Health and Safety Advisors work directly with employers and workers to help identify practical solutions to prevent workplace injuries and illnesses across the province.

For more tips on preventing MSI’s and events planned for the week, visit www.workplacenl.ca.

Fast facts

1,600 workers are injured every year (4.4 workers every day) caring for or handling patients.

530 workers are injured every year (1.4 workers every day) handling boxes and containers.

475 workers are injured every year (1.3 workers every day) handling building materials and parts.

400 workers are injured every year (1.1 workers every day) using tools and equipment.